I was looking for a timepiece at the dawn of my 30th birthday. It was when I walked through the door of a Parisian AD to try on models from the brand with the crown that I fell in love with this Explorer 36mm ref. 124270. 

After months of thinking, I had only two criteria in mind: a black dial without a date and a discreet watch on the wrist. 

This watch remains faithful to the design codes of watches from the post-war years. An extremely clear dial without bling-bling. A watch with perfectly mastered proportions. 

This Explorer exudes robustness and is a beautiful tribute to the explorers of yesteryear. 

In short, a professional with the codes of a dress watch, a dial of flawless readability with precious metals in this deep black. 

My first Rolex, a Rolex for a lifetime.

Rolex Explorer ref. 124270 36mm

<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Rolex</strong> brand was created in <strong>1905</strong> in London by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. It is today based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is recognized worldwide as one of the leading manufacturers of luxury watches. Rolex, <strong>often called the &ldquo;Crown brand&rdquo;</strong>, is synonymous with prestige, innovation and unparalleled reliability in the watchmaking world.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Rolex brand</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The year 1926 marked an important turning point for the brand with the launch of the first waterproof watch, the Rolex Oyster. The robustness and reliability of this watch were spectacularly demonstrated in 1927 when Mercedes Gleitze, a British swimmer, crossed the English Channel with a Rolex Oyster on her wrist.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In 1945, <strong>Rolex launched the Datejust</strong>, the first automatic watch to indicate the date in a window on the dial. In 1953, Rolex introduced the Submariner watch, capable of withstanding depths of 100 meters. The same year, the brand presented the Explorer watch in homage to the first successful ascent of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, equipped with Rolex watches.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Since its beginnings, Rolex is behind more than 400 patents, attesting to a perpetual search for improvement to guarantee its models unrivaled reliability. This DNA has allowed the brand to launch models that have marked watchmaking history and often become true myths such as the Rolex Daytona or the Rolex GMT-Master.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Since its creation and in particular with <strong>exceptional 50s in terms of innovations</strong>, Rolex has continued to launch new models and in particular:</p>
<p dir="ltr">1926 - Rolex Oyster<br>1953 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/explorer"> Rolex Explorer<br></a>1953 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/submariner"> Rolex Submariner<br></a>1955 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/gmt-master"> Rolex GMT-Master<br></a>1956 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/milgauss"> Rolex Milgauss<br></a>1956 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/day-date"> Rolex Day-Date<br></a>1963 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/daytona"> Rolex Daytona<br></a>1967 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sea-dweller"> Rolex Sea Dweller<br></a>1971 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/explorer_ii"> Rolex Explorer II<br></a>1983 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/gmt-master_ii"> Rolex GMT-Master II<br></a>1992 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/yacht-master_40"> Rolex Yacht-Master<br></a>2007 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/yacht-master_ii"> Rolex Yacht-Master II<br></a>2012 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sky-dweller"> Rolex Sky-Dweller<br></a>2022 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/deepsea_challenge"> Rolex Deepsea Challenge<br></a>2023 - Rolex Perpetual 1908</p>
<p dir="ltr">Today, Rolex is known for its commitment to perfection, producing approximately one million watches each year, <strong>all certified &ldquo;Certified Chronometer&rdquo;</strong> the Rolex certification at -2/+2 seconds per day. Rolex is also a major player in the field of philanthropy, supporting numerous programs in the fields of education, environment, arts and sports.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the iconic models of the Rolex brand?&nbsp;</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Rolex offers a variety of models, each with its own distinctive features. The main and most sought-after models are:</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/submariner">Rolex Submariner</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Rolex Submariner is a professional diver's watch</strong> featuring a 41mm Oystersteel case, water resistance up to 30 ATM, Oyster bracelet with Rolex Glidelock extension system, automatic movement caliber 3230 , a black dial with luminous indexes, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with black Cerachrom disc. The Rolex Submariner often mistakenly called<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/submariner"> Rolex Submariner No Date</a> is a watch that does not have a date unlike the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/submariner_date"> Rolex Submariner Date</a> which features the famous cyclops.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/datejust_36">Rolex Datejust</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Rolex Datejust is an elegant and versatile watch</strong> with a 36mm Oystersteel and yellow gold case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, Jubilee bracelet, caliber 3235 automatic movement, champagne dial with diamond indexes, and a date complication with the famous Cyclops magnifying glass.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/day-date_36">Rolex Day-Date</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Day-Date, also <strong>nicknamed "President"</strong> due to its association with many heads of state and influential figures, is another iconic watch from the Rolex brand. It is famous for displaying both the date and the day of the week in full, in addition to the time. The day of the week is usually indicated in full, adding a distinctive touch to its dial.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Traditionally, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/day-date_36"> Day-Date</a> is offered in an 18-carat gold case, whether in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum. This characteristic gives it a luxurious and prestigious look. The Day-Date bracelet called President is an iconic bracelet specially designed for this model, composed of three large and robust semi-circular links. The Rolex Day-Date is equipped with an in-house automatic movement, manufactured by Rolex. These movements are certified Superlative Chronometer for their exceptional precision of -2/+2 seconds per day.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Day-Date is available with a wide range of dials, including classic dials with stick indexes, Roman numeral dials, as well as more contemporary dials with engraved designs.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/daytona">Rolex Daytona</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Daytona is a chronograph watch designed for automobile racing. It features a 40mm Oystersteel case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, an Oyster bracelet, an automatic caliber 4130 movement, a white dial with black subdials, and a bezel with tachymeter scale.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/gmt-master_ii">Rolex GMT-Master II</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex GMT-Master II is a watch <strong>designed for intercontinental travelers</strong>, with a 40 mm Oystersteel case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, an Oyster bracelet, an automatic movement caliber 3285, a black dial with luminous indexes, and a bidirectional bezel with two-tone blue and black Cerachrom disc, allowing to display two time zones simultaneously.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/yacht-master_40">Rolex Yacht-Master</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Yacht-Master is a <strong>luxury watch for sailing enthusiasts</strong>. It features a 40 mm Everose gold case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, an Oysterflex bracelet with Rolex Glidelock folding clasp, an automatic caliber 3235 movement, a chocolate dial with luminous indexes, and a bidirectional rotating bezel with brown ceramic Cerachrom disc.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sky-dweller">Rolex Sky-Dweller</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Sky-Dweller is a watch <strong>designed for world travelers</strong>, with a 42mm Oystersteel and white gold case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, Oyster bracelet, caliber 9001 automatic movement, blue dial with luminous indexes, and date, month and second time zone complications.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sky-dweller">Sky-Dweller</a> with its annual calendar is to date the most complicated watch ever offered by the brand.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Rolex Oyster Perpetual</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is the <strong>epitome of the classic Rolex watch</strong>, with a 28-41mm Oystersteel case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, Oyster bracelet, caliber 3230 automatic movement, and an electric blue dial with luminous indexes. The Oyster Perpetual or OP is undoubtedly the little sister of the Rolex Datejust with a more discreet identity and a diversity of dials which have evolved over time into multiple colors and tones. The Oyster Perpetual collection models, not escaping the exceptionally strong demand for Rolex watches, are difficult to find, particularly for the most sought-after colors such as &ldquo;Tiffany&rdquo; blue.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/cellini_dual_time">Rolex Cellini</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Cellini is distinguished by its 39 mm 18-carat Everose gold case, its water resistance up to 50 meters, its brown alligator leather strap with 18-carat gold buckle, its automatic mechanical movement caliber 3132 , its white lacquered dial with applied indexes and dauphine hands.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The collection <strong>Cellini is Rolex's line of dress watches</strong>, dedicated to the art of fine watchmaking. It has evolved over time, moving from rectangular or asymmetrical watches to a more classic collection including the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/cellini_moonphase"> Rolex Cellini Moonphase</a>. All models in the Cellini collection pay homage to traditional watchmaking craftsmanship while bringing the technical perfection and contemporary aesthetics of Rolex. The Cellini is ideal for formal occasions and for those who appreciate timeless elegance and refined simplicity.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Despite a great diversity of models since its beginnings in the 1960s, the Cellini collection has struggled to find its place alongside the iconic Rolex models, and was discontinued in March 2023 to be <strong>replaced by the Rolex 1908</strong>.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sea-dweller">Rolex Sea-Dweller</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Rolex Sea-Dweller is a professional diving watch</strong>, with a 43 mm Oystersteel case, water resistance up to 4,000 feet, an Oyster bracelet with Rolex Glidelock and Fliplock extension system, an automatic movement caliber 3235, a black dial with luminous indexes, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with black Cerachrom disc.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Since its launch in 1967, the Sea-Dweller or "SD" incorporates a helium valve very useful for professional saturation divers who sometimes have to spend several days in a decompression airlock. The helium molecules being so small - they have made their way inside the casing - must exit through this valve instead of decompressing inside the casing and thus damaging it by making it lose its watertightness. .</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/deepsea">Rolex Deepsea</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">Finally, the <strong>Rolex Deepsea is the ultimate diver's watch</strong>, with a 44mm Oystersteel case, impressive water resistance up to 12,800 feet, an Oyster bracelet with Rolex Glidelock and Fliplock extension system, an automatic caliber 3235 movement, a D-blue dial gradient from blue to black, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with black Cerachrom disc.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Deepsea is inseparable from director James Cameron known worldwide for numerous films including &ldquo;Titanic&rdquo;. Out of passion for the abyss and to prepare the film &ldquo;Abyss&rdquo;, he co-financed with Rolex an expedition to the Mariana Trench (the deepest place in the earth's crust at -10,908 meters). The prototype<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/deepsea_challenge/126067"> Rolex Deepsea Challenge</a> having been attached to the submarine used by Cameron. Rolex will use the patents tested during this expedition to launch the Rolex Deepsea.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/perpetual-1908">Rolex Perpetual 1908</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Perpetual 1908 is <strong>an elegant and contemporary watch</strong>, part of the Rolex Perpetual collection. Here are its main characteristics. The watch sports a slim 18-carat (750/000) yellow or white gold case, measuring 39mm in diameter, with graceful lines and a subtly fluted bezel. The dial is available in intense white or intense black, featuring Arabic numerals 3, 9 and 12 as well as faceted indexes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Perpetual 1908 is equipped with caliber 7140, an automatic movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. It incorporates technological innovations such as the Chronergy escapement and the Syloxi silicon hairspring for high precision and shock resistance. Like all Rolex models, the 1908 benefits from the Rolex <strong>&ldquo;Certified Chronometer&rdquo;</strong> certification which guarantees performance in terms of precision of -2/2 seconds per day.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Perpetual 1908 combines tradition and modernity in a timeless design, embodying the brand's watchmaking excellence and celebrating its aesthetic heritage.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Rolex watch cost?&nbsp;</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Prices for <strong>new Rolex watches change every year, but most Rolex models cost between $ 6,000 and $ 40,000.</strong> A<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/oyster_perpetual"> Rolex Oyster Perpetual</a> costs around $ 5,000, while a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/day-date_40">Rolex Day-Date 40</a> in yellow gold costs almost $ 40,000. Rolex also offers models made from precious materials and set with diamonds at much higher prices.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Rolex: The brand of all superlatives!</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Rolex is more than a watch brand, it is an institution in the world of watchmaking. Renowned for the exceptional quality and reliability of its watches, the brand has carved out a unique place for itself in the world of luxury. Rolex is a preferred choice for those looking for a watch that combines traditional craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology and timeless design. To own a Rolex is to own a piece of watchmaking history, a symbol of success and distinction.</p>
<p dir="ltr">To find out more about the brand and its models, I invite you to consult the official Rolex website. Finally, remember that each Rolex is often considered a work of art, an investment that is passed down from generation to generation. Unsurprisingly, Rolex is part of the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the most popular Swiss watch brands</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_luxury_watch_brands"> Ranking of the best luxury watch brands</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">To choose the Rolex model that best suits you, <strong>Dialicious owners&rsquo; reviews</strong> are a valuable resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience. Other customers might prefer it<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tudor"> Tudor</a>, but that's another story...&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2024)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Gold and steel, readable, luminescent, waterproof, robust, contained and without warts, it has everything to reach the top with class. In addition, being shunned by investor buyers, I was able to get it at a price significantly lower than the boutique price, which is rare these days with this brand.

At the top of Mont D'or.

The Rolex Explorer, reference 124270, embodies the timeless elegance and spirit of adventure that have shaped Rolex’s history. With its 36 mm Oystersteel case, this historic size pays tribute to the original 1953 model, designed to accompany the exploits of mountaineering pioneers, including the ascent of Everest.

A BALANCED AND REFINED DESIGN

The black lacquered dial is a masterpiece of simplicity and readability, with its distinctive Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. These applied hour markers, filled with Chromalight, ensure optimum visibility even in the dark. The perfect balance between proportions and refined details gives the dial a timeless aesthetic, while remaining impeccable in functionality.

A BRACELET OF EXCEPTIONAL PRECISION

The watch is equipped with the famous stainless steel Oyster bracelet, robust and comfortable. This bracelet, with its secure Oysterlock clasp and Easylink adjustment system, reflects all of Rolex’s expertise, combining comfort, finesse and durability.

THE QUINTESSENCE OF WATCHMAKING FINESSE

With its perfectly controlled thickness, the Rolex Explorer ref. 124270 elegantly adapts to all occasions, from the most demanding explorations to the most distinguished evenings. Its automatic movement caliber 3230 guarantees precision, reliability and an exceptional power reserve of 70 hours.

ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PIECES FROM ROLEX

The Explorer 36 ref. 124270 is much more than a watch: it is an icon, a symbol of exploration and watchmaking perfection. Its historic size, balanced design and impeccable finish make it one of Rolex’s most admired and desired creations. A watch that spans generations with elegance and timelessness.

Rolex Explorer 36 ref. 124270

My first "nice" watch was the Rolex Explorer 39mm (MK1) in 2010. After several months of internet research and visits to retailers, I completely fell for the Explorer, even though Rolex decided to switch from 36mm to 39mm. I loved this model but thought that the 36mm would have been ideal, thus better respecting its history. A little over a year ago, I made the decision to sell it to get the new 36mm version (reference 124270). Here we are…

This watch is simply exceptional, with notable improvements over the previous ones: the 3230 movement offering 72 hours of power reserve, blue luminescence on all the indexes, a very beautiful black lacquered dial and a particularly solid bracelet.

What I particularly like is its comfort, much better than the 39 mm and even the new 40 mm. It is a watch that is both sporty and chic, offering a beautiful presence while remaining discreet.

With a wrist of more than 17 cm, some may find it a little "small", especially because of the 19/14 bracelet which makes it thinner. But believe me, after a few days, you get used to it, and you quickly realize that it is actually an advantage, because the dial stands out more and the comfort is fabulous.

I have a collection of four watches, and this is without a doubt the one I wear the most. So yes, if I had to keep only one, it would be the Explorer 36.

If I had to keep just one...

At first, nothing was predestined for this timepiece to enter my collection. Already having the Explorer 2 in my possession, I made the mistake of trying on this little Explorer, not so small, and it was love at first sight. It has a crazy charm, this plethora of details, this size, this presence, this brilliance made me fall in love with this little gem. My AD was able to find me a model in just 2 days. What a joy to wear it every day, it is discreet and so classy that I never tire of contemplating the 3-6-9 adorned with its lumibright. As you will have understood, I am crazy about it. It is very pleasant to wear even if the adjustment was a little too tight at first, the easylink has restored a little grace to my wrist. Far from the madness of Daytona and other GMT Masters, it really deserves to be an icon. I advise you to try it on to realize that you have a sleeping monster there

Conquering the summits

Currently the only watch in my collection after having owned Longines and Tudors, it is the result of a long reflection that pushed me to start from scratch and start again with this iconic model from Rolex.

This reference from 2001 embodies in my opinion the golden age of Rolex, between tradition and modernity, this watch is light, thin, precise and adapts to all outfits thanks to its contained diameter and its harmonious dial.

It lets itself be forgotten on the wrist, until the sun comes to illuminate the sapphire crystal devoid of anti-reflective, thanks to the sparkle of the indexes and the 369 in white gold.

Classic, coherent, you just have to put a nato on it to rediscover it, all the colors suit it perfectly.

The 3130 movement is of formidable precision, which despite its age delivers astonishing performances, with less than 1 second advance per day.

THE first watch par excellence

The first watch in a collection par excellence

<p>La marque <strong>SYE</strong> [Start Your Engine] a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en <strong>2020</strong> par Arnaud Pezeron &agrave; c&ocirc;t&eacute; de Paris en France. La marque inaugure le Sport Tailoring au poignet. Elle propose des montres sport-chic de caract&egrave;re, fiables, ludiques et abordables inspir&eacute;es de l'univers de la m&eacute;canique auto-moto. La gamme comprend deux mod&egrave;les distincts, la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/sye/mot1on_automatic_24">SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 </a>et la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/sye/mot1on_chronograph">SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</a>.</p>
<p>Cette marque embarque une innovation sur le changement du bracelet disponible en acier ou en cuir. La montre n'offre aucun espace entre le bracelet et la boite d&ucirc; &agrave; l&rsquo;absence de cornes, ce qui am&eacute;liore son confort et sa portabilit&eacute;.</p>
<h2 class="p1">Combien co&ucirc;te une montre&nbsp;SYE&nbsp;?</h2>
<p class="p1">La gamme SYE comporte deux mod&egrave;les disponibles sur le site de la marque : La <strong>SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24</strong> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de <strong>750&euro;</strong>. La <strong>SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</strong> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de <strong>599 &euro;</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>SYE</strong> est ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines montres par an tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une SYE qui vous correspond le mieux, les <strong>avis clients Dialicious</strong> sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises"><span class="s2">Classement des meilleures marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises</span></a> dont SYE fait partie.</span></p>
<p>(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2023)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand <strong>SYE</strong> [Start Your Engine] was created in <strong>2020</strong> by Arnaud Pezeron near Paris in France. The brand is introducing Sport Tailoring on the wrist. It offers sporty-chic watches with character, reliability, fun and affordability inspired by the world of car and motorcycle mechanics. The range includes two distinct models, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/sye/mot1on_automatic_24"> SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/sye/mot1on_chronograph"> SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This brand has an innovation in changing the bracelet available in steel or leather. The watch offers no space between the bracelet and the case due to the absence of lugs, which improves its comfort and portability.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a SYE watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The SYE range includes two models available on the brand's website: The SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 is offered from &euro; 750. The SYE MOT1ON Chronograph is offered from &euro; 599.</p>
<p dir="ltr">SYE is independent and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an SYE that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands"><span class="s2">Ranking of the best French watch brands</span></a>, including SYE.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2023)</p>

Rolex Explorer 36 Owner Review : Versatile, refined and eternal

Rolex Explorer ref. 124270 36mm

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